Bangkok Shopping
I found a great way to beat the heat in Bangkok -- shopping.
Bangkok is known as one of the world's great shopping cities, and I must agree. I feel like I'm always shopping. There are a million shops and market stalls selling anything and everything on almost every street.
First, I set out in search of a tailor shop. I had a tip about the suit shop where the Bush family gets their suits made when they come to Bangkok. When I couldn't find any info about where Clinton has his suits made, I decided the Bush family tailor would have to do and set off.
Turns out they only make men's suits. But they recommended a tailor specializing in women's clothes. And when she said she was too busy to take on more work, I eventually found someone else.
Tailor shops are everywhere in Bangkok, especially in the tourist areas. Like massage parlors and Pad Thai stands, you don't have to look for them, they find you. Many have signs in the window promising 3 suits, a kimono, 3 shirts and a safari outfit for $200. Or something else too good to be true. All ready in 24 hours or less. But this is for a job interview and work suit, an investment. I'm not trusting this to just anyone.
But this guy didn't have any ludicrous signs in the window. Just lots of beautifully cut women's suits. I looked at some suits he had in progress and was very impressed by the stiching. The price was reasonable, comparable to what I would pay at a store in the US. Even more reassuringly, when I told him I needed the suit in about 48 hours, he looked sick and slightly panicked, which is a sign that he needs time to make a quality product and do enough fittings. And he didn't speak perfect English, which made me trust him even more. He wasn't in business to charm tourists into buying crap, he was in business to make suits.
It was SO much fun being measured for the suit -- I felt so important. They helped me into jackets, brought me sodas ... I'm so easily amused and impressed, I know. Can't wait for the fitting tomorrow.
I spent the rest of the day wandering through Thai shopping malls. There seem to be two main types. First, a collection of tiny shops, selling gorgeous, trendy Thai clothes for about $10 per piece or less. Lots of lace and silk and straps. These are either by local designers or wholesale products.
Then there's the ultra-posh, modern shopping plaza. Today I walked through at least 3 filled with designer stores -- Prada, Coach, AX, Kate Spade, Chanel, etc. It's great fun to just sit in the mall and watch the rich walk by. Fantastic fashion show.
Then I took a boat up the river at sunset, which was lovely. All the temples were lit beautifully. And I had a great chat with a young Thai doctor who was as charming as can be. And when I got off the boat, at the dock, there was a man selling bags of fish food, and when you threw it into the water, all the fish came to the top and started flapping madly, trying to get to the food. Wicked cool.
Tomorrow, I will take on the famous Weekend Market, where they sell everything and anything -- clothes, food, monkeys, etc. And I have a dentist appointment! Hooray!
Bangkok is known as one of the world's great shopping cities, and I must agree. I feel like I'm always shopping. There are a million shops and market stalls selling anything and everything on almost every street.
First, I set out in search of a tailor shop. I had a tip about the suit shop where the Bush family gets their suits made when they come to Bangkok. When I couldn't find any info about where Clinton has his suits made, I decided the Bush family tailor would have to do and set off.
Turns out they only make men's suits. But they recommended a tailor specializing in women's clothes. And when she said she was too busy to take on more work, I eventually found someone else.
Tailor shops are everywhere in Bangkok, especially in the tourist areas. Like massage parlors and Pad Thai stands, you don't have to look for them, they find you. Many have signs in the window promising 3 suits, a kimono, 3 shirts and a safari outfit for $200. Or something else too good to be true. All ready in 24 hours or less. But this is for a job interview and work suit, an investment. I'm not trusting this to just anyone.
But this guy didn't have any ludicrous signs in the window. Just lots of beautifully cut women's suits. I looked at some suits he had in progress and was very impressed by the stiching. The price was reasonable, comparable to what I would pay at a store in the US. Even more reassuringly, when I told him I needed the suit in about 48 hours, he looked sick and slightly panicked, which is a sign that he needs time to make a quality product and do enough fittings. And he didn't speak perfect English, which made me trust him even more. He wasn't in business to charm tourists into buying crap, he was in business to make suits.
It was SO much fun being measured for the suit -- I felt so important. They helped me into jackets, brought me sodas ... I'm so easily amused and impressed, I know. Can't wait for the fitting tomorrow.
I spent the rest of the day wandering through Thai shopping malls. There seem to be two main types. First, a collection of tiny shops, selling gorgeous, trendy Thai clothes for about $10 per piece or less. Lots of lace and silk and straps. These are either by local designers or wholesale products.
Then there's the ultra-posh, modern shopping plaza. Today I walked through at least 3 filled with designer stores -- Prada, Coach, AX, Kate Spade, Chanel, etc. It's great fun to just sit in the mall and watch the rich walk by. Fantastic fashion show.
Then I took a boat up the river at sunset, which was lovely. All the temples were lit beautifully. And I had a great chat with a young Thai doctor who was as charming as can be. And when I got off the boat, at the dock, there was a man selling bags of fish food, and when you threw it into the water, all the fish came to the top and started flapping madly, trying to get to the food. Wicked cool.
Tomorrow, I will take on the famous Weekend Market, where they sell everything and anything -- clothes, food, monkeys, etc. And I have a dentist appointment! Hooray!
posted by Jen at 9:43 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home